Headaches can range from an occasional nuisance to a debilitating condition that impacts your work, sleep, and daily life. Because there are many possible causes, and more than one type of headache, it’s essential to have a proper diagnosis before starting treatment.

At her Carrollton dental office, Dr. Tejal Kakade works with patients from Carrollton, Villa Rica, and surrounding communities to identify whether recurring or severe headaches may be connected to jaw tension, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), or other musculoskeletal issues. Her goal is to uncover the root cause so treatment is targeted and effective.

Why Diagnosis Matters

Headaches can be caused by stress, posture, muscle strain, or underlying medical conditions. In some cases, they may signal a more serious health issue that needs immediate attention. Getting an accurate diagnosis ensures you receive the right care and helps prevent unnecessary or ineffective treatments.

What We Look For During Evaluation

A complete and accurate history of your symptoms is an important first step. Dr. Kakade may ask questions about:

• The location and description of the pain
• Pain severity (on a 1–10 scale)
• Duration and frequency of headaches
• Possible triggers (foods, stress, activities, medications)
• Accompanying symptoms (light or sound sensitivity, nausea, weakness)
• Family history of headaches
• When symptoms first began
• Whether headaches vary in type or pattern

Physical & Neurological Examination

To help identify or rule out potential causes, an examination may check for:

• Balance or coordination issues
• Vision changes
• High blood pressure
• Fatigue or muscle weakness
• Signs of head or neck injury
• Infections or inflammation
• Structural concerns such as malformations or tumors

Advanced Imaging When Needed

While most patients don’t require extensive testing, advanced imaging can be helpful in certain cases. MRI scans provide detailed brain images that allow specialists to evaluate soft tissues inside the skull for possible causes of persistent headaches.

Your Path to Relief

By combining a detailed health history, thorough examination, and appropriate testing, Dr. Kakade can pinpoint the type and cause of your headaches. From there, she can recommend personalized treatment options to reduce pain and improve your quality of life.

If you’ve been living with recurring headaches, contact our office to schedule an evaluation and take the first step toward relief.